Brave Search API free-tier rate limit: the limit, when it resets, and the error you'll see

Brave Search's own docs, read 2026-10-10: the limit on its free allowance, when it resets, and the error text an agent sees on hitting it. Each quote is verbatim and links its source.

The limit

Search plan (Prepaid)

Includes free $5 in credits every month

Source: api-dashboard.search.brave.com, read 2026-10-10.

The rate window

Rate limits are enforced using a 1-second sliding window

Source: api-dashboard.search.brave.com, read 2026-10-10.

The error your agent will see

HTTP status: 429.

No response body text is documented by Brave Search. What its docs say:

the API will return a 429 status code and your request will fail.

Source: api-dashboard.search.brave.com, read 2026-10-10.

Our row

Our dated entry for Brave Search.

Other free search APIs if you're rate-limited

Facts as read on 2026-10-10. Limits change: check the linked source before relying on a number.